What do fibrates (fibric acid derivatives) do?

What is the function of a lipoprotein?

To carry/transport lipids in the blood

14

Describe the process of atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Damage/insult on the endothelial lining which releases factors such as ADP and *** causing platelets and macrophages to adhese and aggregate. Lipids, calcium and cellular debris accumulate too and smooth muscle cells begin to form a fibrous cap over the plaque > plaque is now unable to disperse.

What is prostacyclin (PG12)?

A vasodilator and platelet inhibitor produced by platelets and vascular endothelium.

18

What clinical sign is virtually diagnostic of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia?

Tendon Xanthomata > occurs in ~70% of all affected individuals

19

What two major clinical signs occur around the eyes of many individuals with familial hypercholesterolaemia?

Xanthelasma and corneal arcus (premature)

20

What are yellow, fatty plaque lesions associated with hyperlipidaemia that occur on the body in areas besides the eyes?

Xanthomas (xanthelasma is the most common form of xanthoma)

21

Why is chromosome 19 associated with Familial hypercholesterolaemia?

Because the LDL receptor is coded for on chromosome 19 and it is dysfunction of any of the 5 steps involved in LDL receptor function that can result in the condition

22

How is familial hypercholesterolaemia best managed?

With a statin. High dose atorvastatin has been proven to reverese intimal thickening that occurs in FH

23

How do statins work in the treatment of hypercholesterolaemia?

They inhibit HMG CoA in the liver – the rate limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. Increase the removal of LDL and IDL( by inc. their receptors), decrease the production of LDL and VLDL. Slightly increase HDL